Ε Ο Ω Γ
Δ Ξ Ψ Β
Γ Ν Χ Α Ζ
Μ Φ Θ
Ε
Λ Υ Η
Δ
Π Θ
Τ Ζ
Σ Ε
Ο
Ψ
Ξ
Η
Δ Ν Χ Ζ
Γ
Ε
Φ
Μ
Δ
Ξ
Υ
Λ Τ
Γ
Ν
Κ Σ Β
Go
Greek!
www.nicholls.edu/greek
Individually Unique, Together Complete!
Introduction
When thinking about becoming a member of the Greek community the goal is the
find the organizations where you’ll have the strongest sense of belonging. Membership
is obtained by going through a mutual selection process called recruitment or intake.
This is a time to learn about the organization’s leadership opportunities, philanthropy
projects, financial obligations, social activities, scholarship programs, and traditions of
brotherhood or sisterhood.
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
IFC consists of the following fraternities: Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Alpha Psi, Kappa
Sigma, Phi Kappa Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Theta Xi.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
NPHC consists of the following fraternities and sororities: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha
Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Omega Psi Phi.
National Panhellenic Council (NPC)
NPC consists of the following sororities: Delta Zeta, Phi Mu and Sigma Sigma
Sigma.
Order of Omega
Greek Alphabet
Order of Omega is an honorary society open exclusively to upperclassmen involved
in Greek organizations.
Α -
Β -
Γ -
Δ -
Ε -
Ζ -
Η -
Θ -
Ι -
Κ -
Λ -
Μ -
Ν -
Ξ -
Ο -
Π -
Ρ -
Σ -
Alpha (al-fah)
Beta (bay-ta)
Gamma (gam-ah)
Delta (del-tah)
Epsilon (ep-sah-lawn)
Zeta (zay-tah)
Eta (a-tah)
Theta (thay-tah)
Iota (eye-o-tah)
Kappa (cap-pah)
Lambda (lamb-dah)
Mu (mew)
Nu (new)
Xi (zye)
Omicron (o-ma-cron)
Pi (pie)
Rho (row)
Sigma (sig-mah)
Τ -
Υ -
Φ -
Χ -
Ψ -
Ω -
Tau (taw)
Upsilon (up-si-lawn)
Phi (fye)
Chi (kye)
Psi (sigh)
Omega (o-may-gah)
• Involved in SPA, SGA, Academic Clubs, Resident Assistants,
Student Employees, etc.
• Performing thousands of hours of Community Service each
year.
• Achieving higher GPAs that non-affiliated undergrads.
• Dominating the Homecoming Court, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls
Nominations, Hall of Fame and Who’s Who.
Fee Collections.................... (985) 448-4058
Financial Aid....................... (985) 448-4048
Helpful Campus Phone Numbers
Greek Life............................ (985) 448-4525
Housing Operations.......... (985) 448-4479
ID Card Operations........... (985) 448-4498
Parking Services................. (985) 448-4526
Records and Registration.....(985) 448-4153
Student Employment......... (985) 448-4043
Student Life......................... (985) 448-4525
Student Services................. (985) 448-4080
Transcripts........................... (985) 448-4227
Tutorial and Academic
Enhancement Center...... (985) 448-4100
University Health
Services............................. (985) 493-2600
University Police................ (985) 448-4746
• Serving our community by donating all
proceeds from Songfest and Greek Week to
Maggie’s Heart and sponsoring a Halloween
Carnival to offer local children a safer
alternative to trick-or-treating.
• Creating a safer environment for all college
students by sponsoring events that educate
the public about drinking and driving.
• Representing Nicholls all over the country at
conferences and conventions.
Greek Facts
Locally, Our Greek Leaders Are:
Letter from the President
Office of the President
Post Office Box 2001
Thibodaux, Louisiana 70310
Dear Nicholls student:
Welcome to Nicholls State University! The Nicholls community will provide you a variety of
academic, social, and community service activities. One such opportunity for involvement is being
a member of a fraternity or sorority. Greek Letter organizations contribute significantly to the student life experience at Nicholls State University. Fraternities and sororities also provide leadership
development opportunities for individual students.
Nicholls has entered a new era. We have raised the bar that students must meet to be admitted
to the University. We are becoming the school of choice. The University has also raised the bar
for Greek Letter organization. Values based standards have been established for all Greek Letter
organizations. These standards have been designed to assure that each member of a fraternity or
sorority is involved in activities which promote citizenship, concern for self and others, and a desire
to build a better world.
Fraternities and sororities have a long record of service, involvement, leadership and academic
achievement at Nicholls State University. You will find many of the outstanding faculty and staff
were members of fraternities and sororities during their college years. My own membership in a
Greek Letter organization, Lambda Chi Alpha, provided me lifelong bonds of friendship, and an
unparalleled level of personal development and exciting opportunities.
Fraternities and sororities significantly contribute to the campus and general community. Many
students have found that the Greek experience has contributed to
their overall success at Nicholls State University. I encourage you
to exam what Greek Life has to offer and to determine if it too will
be a part of your college experience.
Sincerely ,
Stephen T. Hulbert
President
Dear Nicholls student:
Welcome to Nicholls State University and to the membership recruitment
program. Fraternities and sororities have a long history of contributing to college
life in America. The same applies to the “Greek” community at Nicholls. Our
fraternities and sororities have an outstanding record of providing service to the
community. Most of our student leaders are members of Greek organizations.
What do Greek organizations have to offer you? Fraternities and sororities will
provide you support as you pursue your academic career. They will also provide
experiences which will help you to develop and mature as a leader, citizen and
member of the campus community. Most of all, you will make new friends.
Each fraternity and sorority is unique in its history and traditions. All groups offer a variety of
programs and activities. The recruitment program will provide you an opportunity to learn what each
group has to offer and to determine how the aims and purpose of each group best fits with your longterm interests as a student and future community leader.
We are confident that you will find that the Greek program at Nicholls has lots to offer students.
During the recruitment process you will likely find that there are several groups that you are willing to
join. That is okay because the recruitment program is designed to help you rank your preference for
membership, not to limit your choice to one particular group. You are strongly encouraged to use the
recruitment process to identify at least three groups for which you are willing to accept membership.
At some point during the recruitment program, you may be asked to rank the groups in order of your
preference for membership. This information will be kept confidential and not distributed to any fraternity or sorority. Therefore, you will be able to accept a membership invitation from your second, third,
or fourth choice should the opportunity arise.
Recruitment is a fun time. You will meet lots of new friends. The process can seem a little confusing
at times. However, there will be recruitment counselors available to help you every step of the way.
Relax, have fun and welcome to student life at Nicholls. We look forward to seeing you at fall Greek
activities.
Sincerely,
Eugene A. Dial Jr.
Vice President, Student Affairs and Enrollment Services
Letter from the Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Services
Office of Student Affairs
Post Office Box 2040
Thibodaux, Louisiana 70310
What are the benefits of membership?
• Brotherhood/Sisterhood. Any organization can offer you a friend, but only Greek life offers you a family.
It’s a home away from home that extends beyond any one organization to include members all around
the country.
• Scholarship. Academic success is one of the most important aspects to Greek students. Scholastics are
promoted through strong support systems within each organization and it shows with the All Greek
GPA being substantially higher than the Average Undergraduate GPA.
• Service. Each year our Greek students give thousands of hours of service to the community and hold
fundraisers to make donations to various local and national charities. Every organization has its own
national philanthropy, but many have also adopted local ones.
• Leadership. Each organization is self-governing making each chapter member a vital part of the Greek
community. Greek students are also leaders on campus through their involvement with organizations
like Orientation Team, SPA, SGA, and many others!
What does being Greek really mean?
Membership in a Greek letter organization is a lifetime obligation. Choosing the Greek community
means working with a group of men or women who can exchange and stand for common goals and ideas
and being held to a higher standard than other college students. The Greek experience during the college
years is a gateway to many rewards and connections later in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost a lot to be Greek?
Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment as each chapter is self-supported
through dues paid by their members. When students join a Greek letter organization, they also agree to pay
dues and fees while in school to maintain membership. Although chapters may make accommodations for
special needs, students should consider the financial obligation before deciding to join.
What is the time commitment involved in belonging to a Greek organization?
There is no minimum or maximum time that a student must donate to the fraternity or sorority. Through
involvement with the chapter, students will learn to better manage their time, balancing academics, work
and other commitments. Greeks find that being active in a fraternity or sorority is well worth the time they
put into it.
What should I look for in an organization?
Each person has different interests and needs. Most people chose which organization they prefer by
figuring out who they fit in with and who shares their interests (some groups are more focused on academics while others may focus more on community service). While they may all be great groups remember to
pick one that you feel like you can be a part of. The greatest difference between Greek organizations and
others is the concept of brotherhood/sisterhood. With so many great Greek organizations on our campus,
no matter what you choose you can never go wrong.
Active- A fully initiated member of a fraternity or sorority.
Alumnae- Member of a sorority who has graduated.
Bid- An invitation to join a fraternity or sorority. While it
differs from council to council, you may receive one bid
or several, you can accept only one.
Alumni- Member of a fraternity who has graduated.
Brother/Sister- a term used to identify initiated members
of a fraternity or sorority.
Chapter-A term used to refer to undergraduate fraternity
or sorority students in a particular Greek organization.
This term is also used nationally to distinguish one
group of students on a particular campus from those on another campus. Many national groups give their
chapters names such as a Greek letter or combination of Greek letters or a Greek later and a state. Crossing- A term used by NPHC groups to indicate that a new member has been fully initiated into the
group. May also use the term “cross the sands”.
Fraternity- A group of men bonded together by their ritual that contains the founding principles, ideals,
and aspirations of the group.
Greek Council- The umbrella organization for all Greek Presidents. The Greek Council is the collective
Greek student voice of our Nicholls Greek Community and works to represent all Greek chapters and
organization in the university process.
Intake- The term NPHC groups use when they bring new members into their organization. Each NPHC
group determines when they will conduct intake, and thus no two NPHC groups will conduct intake together. Each group is assisted in this process by their Graduate Chapter (a group of alumni in the area).
Interfraternity Council (IFC)- The umbrella organization for the seven “social” fraternities at Nicholls.
Initiation- The formal ceremony where a new member is brought into full membership of the fraternity
or sorority.
Legacy- A woman or man who is the daughter, son, sister, brother, or grandchild of a sorority or fraternity
initiate.
Line- A name for a group of men or women joining
a Historically Black Fraternity or Sorority (an NPHC
group). Being “on line” is a term for when a student is
joining an NPHC group. In 1990 all 9 NPHC groups
prohibited “pledging” and began a process called
intake (see definition).
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC)- The national
group of 26 women’s sororities in North America. Representatives from each national sorority get together to support and promote sororities across North America.
Greek Glossary
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)The national group of the 9 historically African-American fraternities (5) and sororities
(4). The representatives from each national
group work together to promote Black Greeks
across the country, look at standards for
intake and new member education, develop
overall goals, and provide special resources
to campus chapters. There is a national conference every other year that undergraduate
students and graduate members attend to
share ideas about Greek Life. Regional conferences are also held every other year (even
numbered years).
New Member- A term used to refer to a new member of a fraternity or sorority. After recruitment
period, new members learn the history of their national and local chapters, get to know their fellow
new members, and get to know the initiated members.
Order of Omega- Limited to the top of the outstanding Greeks. Must have a 3.0 GPA, junior or senior
status, significant leadership and service to the campus and the Greek community. Applications are
accepted each semester, with the current student members selecting the new members. Students that
are accepted pay a one-time fee, for which they receive a certificate and a pin. Order of Omega also
selects an Honor initiate each semester.
Recruitment- The time when fraternities and sororities recruit new members. Recruitment week takes
place the second week of each semester for the IFC groups and the first week of the Fall semester for
the NPC groups. For NPHC groups, they recruit, called “intake” when each chapter or their national
decides. Each NPHC group will conduct recruitment separately.
Rushee/Potential New Member- An
undergraduate who is registered for
formal rush/recruitment and is attending rush/recruitment events.
Sorority- A group of women bonded to
together by their ritual that contains the
founding principles, ideals, and aspirations of the group.
Yard- A term used by NPHC groups to
indicate the campus. Use in phrases such
as which groups are on the yard, meaning which groups are on campus.
Kappa Alpha Order
www.kappaalphaorder.org
Founded: December 21, 1865 at Washington University
Date Chartered at Nicholls: February 19, 1977
Chapter Name: Epsilon Beta
Colors: Crimson and Old Gold
Symbol: Crimson Cross
Flower: Red Rose and Magnolia
Philanthropy: Muscular Dystrophy Association
Nickname: The Order
Motto: “Dieu et Les Dames” (Of God and Women)
Kappa Sigma
www.kappasigma.org
Date Founded: December 10, 1869
Date Chartered at Nicholls: April 28, 2007
Colors: Scarlet, Emerald Green, and White
Flower: Lily of the Valley
Symbol: Star and Crescent
Philanthropy: American Cancer Society
Phi Kappa Theta
www.phikaps.org
Founded: 1889 at Lehigh University
Date Chartered at Nicholls: April 22, 1967
Chapter Name: Nu Omega
Colors: Cardinal, Gold, and White
Flower: Red Tea Rose
Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network
Nickname: Phi Kaps
Motto: “Give expecting nothing thereof”
InterFraternity Council
IFC is the governing body for the social Greek fraternities at Nicholls. The InterFraternity Council is
composed of representatives from each member fraternity and provides a forum for discussion on common
problems, while working to strengthen the fraternity system.
2008 Fall Recruitment will be held begin on August 25th and end on August 29th. Each night will begin at
6:00 PM in the Student Union. All men wishing to go through must have a 2.3 GPA from either high school or
college (whichever is more recent) and pay a $5 fee. You can register online at www.nicholls.edu/greek.
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
www.sae.net
Founded: March 9, 1856 at University of Alabama
Date Chartered at Nicholls: March 24, 2004
Chapter Name: Louisiana Chi
Colors: Old Gold and Royal Purple
Symbol: Lion, Phoenix
Flower: Violet
Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network
Nickname: SAE
Motto: “The True Gentleman”
www.tke.org
Founded: January 10, 1899
at Illinois Weslyan University
Date Chartered at Nicholls: March 8, 1969
Chapter Name: Mu Zeta
Colors: Cherry Red and Grey
Symbol: Equilateral Triangle and Skull & Crossbones
Flower: Red Carnation
Philanthropy: Ronald Reagan Foundation
Nickname: TKE, Tekes
Motto: “The choice to belong, the challenge to become”
Theta Xi
www.thetaxi.org
Founded: April 29, 1864 at Rensselaer Polytechic Institute
Chapter Name: Gamma Eta
Colors: Azure Blue and Silver
Symbol: Unicorn
Flower: Blue Iris
Philanthropy: Multiple Sclerosis and Habitat for Humanity
Motto: “Juncti Juvant” (United They Serve)
Alpha Phi Alpha
www.apa1906.org
Founded: December 4, 1906
at Cornell University
Date Chartered at Nicholls: March 22, 1975
Chapter Name: Kappa Mu
Colors: Black and Old Gold
Symbol: Sphinx
Flower: Yellow Rose
National Projects: Go to High School, Go to College
Nickname: Alphas
Motto: “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All”
Alpha Kappa Alpha
www.aka1908.org
Founded: January 15, 1908
at Howard University
Date Chartered at Nicholls: April 15, 1990
Chapter Name: Pi Alpha
Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green
Symbol: Ivy
Flower: Pink Tea Rose
National Projects: National Volunteer Day
Nickname: AKA
Motto: “By Culture and By Merit”
Delta Sigma Theta
www.deltasigmatheta.org
Founded: January 13, 1913
at Howard University
Date Chartered at Nicholls: February 9, 1979
Chapter Name: Xi Theta
Colors: Crimson and Cream
Symbol: Elephant (unofficial)
Flower: Violet
National Projects: Dr. Betty Shabazz
Delta Academy
Nickname: Delta, DST
Motto: “Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom”
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
NPHC here at Nicholls is comprised of 6 historically African American sororities and fraternities. This
governing body strives for unanimity of thought and
action as far as possible in the conduct of its chapters
and their members. Nationally there are 9 organizations (The Divine Nine) that are members of NPHC.
The Fall 2008 Joint Interest Meeting will be held on
August 25 at 6:00 PM in Le Bijou Theatre located in the
Student Union. There is no fee required to attend, but
there is a GPA requirement and a specific amount of
hours required that varies by each organization. There
is no pre-registration procedure and you can find out
more information at www.nicholls.edu/greek.
Kappa Alpha Psi
www.kappaalphapsi1911.com
Founded: January 5, 1911 at Indiana University
Date Chartered at Nicholls: September 16, 1983
Chapter Name: Lambda Sigma
Colors: Crimson and Cream
Flower: Carnation
Nickname: Kappa, NUPE
National Projects: Guide Right, Prostate Cancer Awareness
Motto: “Achievement in every field of human endeavor”
Omega Psi Phi
www.omegapsiphifraternity.org
Founded: November 17, 1911 at Howard University
Date Chartered at Nicholls: Fall 1978
Chapter Name: Omega Kappa
Nickname: Omegas, Ques
Colors: Royal Purple and Old Gold
Motto: “Friendship is Essential to the Soul”
Phi Beta Sigma
www.pbs1914.org
Founded: January 9, 1914
Date Chartered at Nicholls: 1976
Chapter Name: Nu Alpha
Colors: Royal Blue and Pearl White
Nickname: Sigmas
Motto: “Culture for Service; Service for Humanity”
Delta Zeta
www.deltazeta.org
Founded: October 24, 1902 at Miami University
Date Chartered at Nicholls: May 10, 1968
Chapter Name: Kappa Alpha
Colors: Rose and Green
Symbol: Turtle
Flower: Killarny Rose
Philanthropy: Better Speech and Hearing
& Painting Turtle Camp
Motto: “Behold the turtle; she only makes
progress when she sticks her neck out.”
Phi Mu
www.phimu.org
Founded: March 4, 1852 in Macon, Georgia
Date Chartered at Nicholls: February 25, 1967
Chapter Name: Kappa Eta
Colors: Rose and White
Symbol: Lion
Flower: Rose Carnation
Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network
Motto: “Les Soeurs Fideles”
Sigma Sigma Sigma
www.sigmasigmasigma.org
Founded: April 20, 1898 at Longwood College
Date Chartered at Nicholls: 1967
Chapter Name: Gamma Pi
Colors: Royal Purple and White
Symbol: Sailboat (national) and teddy bear (local)
Flower: Purple Violet
Philanthropy: Robbie Page Memorial
Nickname: Tri-Sigma
Motto: “Faithful Unto Death”
Panhellenic Council (NPC)
Panhellenic is the governing body of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities on campus. They
organize and direct recruitment and other events including community service projects and fundraisers. There are a total of 26 national sororities that are members of the National Panhellenic Conference of which we have 3 at Nicholls.
2008 Fall Recruitment will be held on August 14th through bid day on the 17th. You can register online
for recruitment and find the detailed schedule for recruitment posted on the Greek Life website at www.
nicholls.edu/greek. All enrollee must have a 2.5 GPA from either high school or college (whichever is more
recent) and pay a $25 fee.
Campus Map
Full Name ________________________________________________________ Gender: q Male
q Female
Permanent Address __________________________________________________________________________
City________________________________ State____________________ Zip Code______________________
Home Phone _ _____________________________ E-mail __________________________________________
Campus Address_ __________________________________________________________________________ _
Campus Phone ________________________________ Cell Phone __________________________________
High School Attended________________________________________________________________________
Graduation Date __________________________ HS Cum GPA _____________________________________
Previous Colleges Attended (if any) ________________________College Cum. GPA _ __________________
Check One: q Freshman
q Transfer Student (yr.____)
q Continuing Student (yr.____)
If you have any relatives that are members of Greek organizations please list them below
including name, relationship and Greek affiliation.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
I understand that I must be a full-time student in good standing at Nicholls State University in
order to participate in the recruitment/intake process. I am also aware that information provided
in this application may be shared with individual fraternity/sorority chapters.
Signature _____________________________________________ Date _______________________
NPC Recruitment Dates: August 14-17, 2008
IFC Recruitment Dates: August 25-29, 2008
NPHC Joint Interest Meeting: August 25, 2008
If you are interested in attending NPC or IFC Recruitment or the
NPHC Joint Interest Meeting, please visit our website at
www.nicholls.edu/greek and click on the appropriate button to register.
q Interest in NPC Sororities
q Interest in IFC Fraternities
q Interest in NPHC Sororities
q Interest in NPHC Fraternities
Please mail this form to the following address:
Office of Student Life
P.O. Box 2007
Thibodaux, LA 70310
For more information contact the Greek Office at 985.448.4525.
Greek Life Registration Form
Please Print Legibly
www.nicholls.edu/greek
Greek Life
Office of Student Life
P.O. Box 2007
Thibodaux, LA 70310